Does your child have artistic ability or a love of the visual arts? If so, cultivate that talent by enrolling them in our art class at the Pocono Family YMCA. Classes will run monthly. Please register at least one week prior to the start of classes. These classes are open to ages 5 & up and are held from 11 a.m.—12 p.m. Students must supply their own materials, a list of materials list available at the YMCA. Fees: $48 Members / $68 Non-Members. For more information contact Nicole at 570-421-2525 ext. 124 or stop by the YMCA to register in person or register online at www.poconoymca.org.

STROUDSBURG LITTLE LEAGUE FALL BALL

Stroudsburg Little League is pleased to announce our Fall Ball registration is now open. You may sign up online at www.stroudsburglittleleague.com. We have four divisions. In baseball for boys and girls, we have Minors (age 6—9), Majors (ages 8—11), and Junior/Seniors (ages 12—15). We will also have a softball program for girls ages 8—11. The cost is only $35. If you have any questions please contact us at stroudsburgplayeragent@gmail.com.

EYA MEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE

The Elite Basketball Association (EBA) adult men's basketball league is coming soon to the Poconos in September 2012. Stats recorded, announcer, uniforms, and press coverage. Stay tuned for more information, or call Rafael Pizarro at 570-213-4467, or e-mail: rpizarroeya@yahoo.com.

PYBA

The Pocono Youth Basketball association is gearing up for the 2012-2013 season. We will begin registration in August during the open house at the various Schools on the PMSD West campus. This program is open to all boys and girls in grades 2nd-12th who live or attend school in the west part of the district. We will also have online registration. We are looking for coaches and volunteers as well. For further information please call our hotline at (570) 894-2575 or check out our website at www.PYBA1.com.

S.T.A.R INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL

This program is designed for boys and girls ages 6—12. The main goals of this program are to ensure that every child has fun and has the opportunity to learn the game of basketball and rules of play. Come join Coach Victor on Tuesdays from 6-7 P.M. at the YMCA. To pre-register, visit the YMCA at 809 Main Street, Stroudsburg PA or register online at www.poconoymca.org. For more information please contact Nicole Hill at 570-421-2525 or nhill@poconoymca.org.

ESYA BASKETBALL SIGNUPS

For Grades 3-4-5 & 6. Below is the schedule of events and contacts for the upcoming season. Walk-in signups will be held at the Dansbury Park clubhouse on Monday, Oct. 29, 7-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 5, 7-8 p.m. and Monday Nov. 12, 7-8 p.m. Practices will start last week of Nov. with games starting around Dec. 12th. Practices and games run until the end of February. Practices/games will be held at the following schools: Smithfield Elementary, East Stroudsburg Elementary, JT Lambert Intermediate, Middle Smithfield Elementary and the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church. Practices/Games will be held Monday through Friday, approximately 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., with each team practicing/playing two or three nights a week. Each player will receive a t-shirt and trophy. Volunteer coaches are wanted. Any questions please go to esyasports.com or email basketball director Chris Kross at chris.kross33@yahoo.com or call at 807-6832.

YMCA HIP-HOP, BALLET AND TUMBLING

The YMCA will be offering three new classes starting on a monthly basis. The classes will include hip-hop, ballet and tumbling. All classes will be approximately 45 minutes. Please pre-register at least one week before the start of classes. Tumbling and ballet combo (for ages 3-6) will be held on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Tumbling (ages 7 and older) will be from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hip-hop (for ages 3-6) will be held on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. for ages 7 and older. For more information, contact Nicole at (570) 421-2525 ext. 124 or stop by the YMCA to register in person or register online at www.poconoymca.org.

POCONO MANOR DOG CARTING

Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours is a family owned local business that has been winter dog sledding at the Inn at Pocono Manor for the past eight years. Dog carting, uses a specially designed cart to exercise and train the Huskies. The sessions will be from 12-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from April to November. Cost is $45 per person (must be at least five-years-old). For more information, see our website at www.arcticpawsdogsledtours.com. Or, call (570) 216-2551 or email pawscarting@yahoo.com.

STROUDSBURG HOSTS CLINIC

The Stroudsburg field hockey team is hosting a clinic on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 12-4 p.m. at Ross Stulgaitis Stadium. Any player grades 3-8 are welcome. Cost is $40. For more information contact Joanne Transue at (570) 269-5629 or email jedtransue@earthlink.net.

CAVALIER BOOSTER BINGO

The Cavalier Football Parents Club is hosting Cavalier Booster Bingo every Thursday at the American Legion in East Stroudsburg. Weekly payouts are over $1,200. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m. Hot food and free coffee and popcorn will be available. Bingo games include Pick 7, 50/50, Bonanza and Fireball with Progressive Jackpot. The American Legion is at 201 E. Fifth Street. For more information, please contact Hank Harris at (570) 801-2045. All proceeds benefit East Stroudsburg South High School football team.

DEL VAL FOOTBALL/CHEER REGISTRATION

The Delaware Football League's 10th season is here. Registrations are now being accepted and can be obtained by calling 570-296-5546 or visiting the league's website at www.delawarefootballeague.assn.la. Children ages 4-13 are able to pay in one of the 5 divisions the league offers. Delaware Football League offers a cheerleading program that proves to be fun, exciting and rewarding for the girls. From cheering, to tumbling and dancing the cheerleading program is a great experience for ages 4-13 looking to gain experience to perform at the Middle School level or just to have a good time while cheering socializing and making new friends. Don't wait any longer, visit www.delawarefootballleague.assn.la, and sign your son or daughter up for our cheerleading or football programs today.

YOUTH CLINIC

Want to learn more about the "fastest game on two feet?" Lacrosse is played using a rubber ball and a long-handled stick. Lacrosse is the fastest growing team sport in the US. Lacrosse utilizes and even combines many of the skills found in other sports. This workshop is designed to introduce youth ages 5-12 to this unique and fun sport. You don't need your own equipment; equipment will be available for use during the clinic. The clinic will be held on Oct. 13 from 3-5pm at East Stroudsburg High School South. For more information please contact Nicole Hill at 570-421-2525 or nhill@poconoymca.org.

FIRST STRIDES PROGRAMS

Beginner Walking and Running Workshop for Women (Stroudsburg and Brodheadsville locations). A 12-week workshop open to women ages 12-112. Weekly sessions include a group walk or run and a brief presentation on various topics: injury prevention, nutrition, training principles and much more. Come dressed for activity (outside), rain or shine. Workshops are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Goal is a 5k event. Two locations: Brodheadsville and Stroudsburg. Stroudsburg: every Monday evening starting July 23 at 6:15 p.m., until Oct. 8. Meet at Chipperfield School Complex, (round school). Brodheadsville: every Tuesday evening starting July 24 at 6:15 p.m., until Oct. 9. Meet in back of JC Mills School (by the stadium) off of Rt 115. Registration is $50. For more information contact: Ready Set Run, 431 Main Street, Stroudsburg, 570-424-6431 or www.firststrides.com, click on Poconos and select location.

GIRLS ON THE RUN

The Girls on the Run Pocono Fall season is open for registration at the following locations: Stroudsburg Intermediate School, Stroudsburg Middle School, East Stroudsburg elementary School, JM Hill, tentative JT Lambert, Monsignor McHugh, Notre Dame, Pleasant Valley Intermediate, Tobyhanna Elementary Center, Swiftwater Elementary Center tentative and Bangor at DeFranco Elementary. For more information, to sign up a girl or for coaching opportunities go to www.gotrpocono.org or email dolores.everett@girlsontherun.org.

RIVER RAMBLE FALL CLASSIC

The River Ramble Fall Classic (formerly Aardvark Aamble) 5K and 10K Road Race will be held Sunday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at Smithfield Beach. For applications stop by Ready Set Run, 431 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, call 570-424-6431 or register online at www.pretzelcitysports.com.

13th ANNUAL 5K RUN/WALK

The Pocono Family YMCA will host its 13th Annual 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Nov. 18. The race will begin if front of the YMCA and finish in the YMCA's parking lot. The race will begin at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Pre-Registrations are being accepted online at http://november5k.playerspace.com. First 200 registrants will receive a custom runners cap. The advance registration fees are $15 members and $20 non-members. For a family of 4 or more registering before Nov. 4, the fee is $45 member and $60 non-members. For anyone registering after Nov. 4, the fee is $25. We will have various age divisions for all ages. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female and to the top 3 male and female winners in each age group. Age groups range from 7 & Under to 80 & up. For more information please contact Nicole Hill at the Pocono Family YMCA at 570-421-2525 ext. 124 or nhill@poconoymca.org.

BIG POCONO SKI CLUB

Come join the Big Pocono Ski Club for a more active life and a chance to meet new friends. Besides skiing, we also participate in tennis, biking, kayaking and golf. Day trips, picnics, seasonal parties and monthly dinners called "Mahogany Ridge" are also fun activities. We have monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month. We meet at the Chateau Resort on Cameback Road. For more information about our club, call (570) 620-9272 or (570) 646-0221. Members, please check your newsletter for other private club events.

Our new Challenger Soccer division will be presented through our partnerships with the Pocono Family YMCA and the Pocono Mountain School District and join the current offerings of baseball and basketball. These programs are for youth who are developmentally and/or physically challenged. Our newest offering is designed to help players to enjoy the sport of soccer in a fun, safe and non-competitive environment. Challenger sports opportunities began six years ago with the baseball team sponsored through our partnership with the Big Pocono Little League and has had terrific response. With our partnership organizations and sponsorships the Challenger crew is able to provide the opportunities for all kids to be participants, rather than spectators cheering for their siblings. In order to be able to move forward, we need the support of local companies for sponsorships of the four new soccer teams and donations from the community to help purchase equipment for the teams. Our goal is $1,500 of which $1,000 is via sponsorships. We have already received a commitment for one team sponsorship. Our season begins on Sunday, Oct. 6 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 11. If you have questions about our organization, please email bob.cooney@yahoo.com or call 973-896-4208.

FALL & WINTER TOURNAMENTS

Registration is now open for Fast Pitch Girls Softball Tournaments in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut. Tournaments run from September to April for ages 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U for indoor and outdoor events. For info on locations, fees & hotel arrangements contact Reece Oslinker, Sports Team Hotels, e-mail reeceo@ptd.net.

AQUA AEROBICS

There will be open-lap swimming at East Stroudsburg University. Enjoy our six-lane pool for recreational lap swimming. Interested in Aqua fitness? Check out our Aqua Aerobics and Boot camp classes. Aqua Aerobics is a low-impact aerobics class that will help tone, strengthen and burn fat. Boot Camp is a deep-water workout with moderate to high impact designed to help lose weight, tone, increase strength and condition the body. For more information and pricing please contact Nicole Chinnici at (570) 422-3700.

SARTA TENNIS

SARTA is a group that formed to promote the growth of tennis as a means of healthful recreation and physical fitness in the Stroud Area/Monroe County region. Please come and help us unite tennis players and plan events. For more information, please e-mail Love@sarta-tennis.net.

YMCA YOUTH TENNIS

The Pocono Family YMCA welcomes to GV Tennis Academy, a tennis organization dedicated to teach the fundamentals of tennis for beginners all the way up to elite players. GV Tennis Academy's director/coach Guillermo Varela has been a professional tour player and has coached many young competitive players around the world. Now he brings his vast experience to the YMCA to stimulate and promote tennis to children with an innovative and revolutionary method called Quickstart Tennis, especially designed to make the learning process a lot easier and more fun. GV Tennis Academy will run the clinics at the YMCA's gymnasium using portable equipment such as junior tennis nets, lines, cones. Players will also use soft, harmless tennis balls and juniors tennis racquets. GV Tennis Academy will start with 2 youth groups on Mondays: 5-7years old from 6:15-7:00 pm; 8-10 years olds from 7:00-7:45 pm. Thursday lessons will be held for: Advanced beginner ages 8-10 from 6:30-7:30pm; Age 11 — Adults from 7:30-8:30pm; Class sizes are limited, so please pre-register at least one week in advance for all classes. For more information or for a list of session dates visit www.poconoymca.org or contact Nicole Hill at 570-421-2525 ext 124 or nhill@poconoymca.org.

These monthly programs are designed to introduce children ages 4-6 to various sports. Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm in the YMCA gymnasium. Classes will be offered in soccer, flag football, and indoor t-ball. The YMCA will also be offering an all-sport class which will focus on a different sport each week. Registrations are now being accepted online and at the YMCA. For more information contact Nicole Hill at 570-421-2525 ext. 124 or nhill@poconoymca.org. October — flag football; November — soccer.

HIP HOP, BALLET AND TUMBLING

The YMCA will be offering three new classes starting running on a monthly basis. The classes will include Hip Hop, Ballet and Tumbling. All classes will be approx. 45 minutes. Please pre-register at least one week before the start of classes. Tumbling & Ballet Combo for ages 3-6 will be held on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Tumbling Ages 7 & up from 11:15-12 p.m. Hip Hop for ages 3-6 will be held on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and at 6:15 p.m. for ages 7 & up. For more information contact Nicole at 570-421-2525 ext. 124 or stop by the YMCA to register in person or register online at www.poconoymca.org. Please register at least one week prior to the start of the program.

SPEED AND AGILITY CLINIC

An 8-week, 16-session program that helps give that athlete the competitIve edge. Program will help athletes get better physically, mentally and will improve speed, agilty, explosion, flexbility etc. Program starts Oct. 8 and runs through Nov 21 at Pocono Mountain Fitness. Personal sessions are available by request by contacting agileathletes@gmail.com. Can pay per session if desired.